Playstation 4 DualShock 4 Controller - Specs & Design

The DualShock 4
While controllers over the life of the PlayStation brand have generally been the same on the outside, Sony has made some DAMN good changes to this iteration of it's controller both inside and out.

The Dualshock Hardware

The DualShock 4 displays the same general layout and buttons as past DualShock controllers, but now the controller offers additional features along with new buttons. The most obvious change is the inclusion of a wide touchpad where the Select and Start button were; those buttons are now replaced with an Options button instead. Sony has mentioned that the touchpad can respond to up to two fingers at a time, which expands the number of possibilities for input to those like you would see on a smartphone.

In addition, the DualShock 4 sports a 3.5-mm headphone jack that supports surround sound along with both an accelerometer and a gyroscope, both reported to be better than what is currently included in the DualShock 3 and Vita. The two rumble motors now have varying strength, a change from the DualShock 3 where rumble was either active or not.

This creates a heightened sense of realism in all PlayStation 4 games. The DualShock 4 also includes a built-in speaker, meaning that sounds from the game can play through the controller instead of your normal speakers.

Atop the device is a light bar that can pick up and detect movement, making the controller something like a mixture between a DualShock and a PlayStation Move. According to Sony, the light bar can display one of several different LED colors to relay information; for example, if a player is low on health and may die in the game, the light bar may relay this information with the appropriate color.

This mixes up the usual methods most games use, such as tinting the screen red as the player loses health, although that's still used most of the time.

The light bar will also light up corresponding to the player's controller: blue, red, pink and green corresponding to player one through four, respectively. Additional features the light bar offers include the ability to track players. This is used most commonly in PlayStation VR games, for example.

One minor but welcome addition is the new analog sticks that sport ridges to keep your thumbs in place, a change from the DualShock 3's rounded off sticks. Sony has also improved the L2 and R2 buttons, making the buttons more comfortable and reducing "accidental button presses" during movies or Netflix.

The DualShock 4 has also replaced the DualShock 3's analog buttons with digital buttons, claiming that "developers were ignoring" the feature. The trade-off is that the DualShock 4 has decreased latency over the DualShock 3.

In addition to replacing the analog buttons, Sony has also given the directional pad a small makeover: the pad is larger with more angular buttons, providing a better grip over the DualShock 3's directional pad and increased accuracy in games.

In-Depth Specifications

Thanks to Amazon, we have detailed specs of the DualShock 4! These specs outline the basic features we already knew about, such as the buttons and ports, to even obscure details such as the size of the controller and the weight.

What About an Elite Controller?

While Microsoft has its own first-party elite controller, PlayStation hasn't done anything beyond the classic Dualshock 4. Even so, they did work with two major gaming accessory companies to design some very fancy controllers for e-sports players.

Both of these controllers were designed with Sony closely monitoring the progress. The Nacon Revolution came up at a retail price of $115, while the Razer Raiju will set you back $130.

Here are the specs for the Nacon controller:

4 Extra buttons (switches on the back)

8-way directional-pad

Two internal comparments with 6 weights to customize your balance

PC companion app for customizing buttons

Four profiles for both macros and sensitivity

Raised thumbsticks with increased articulation

Next up are the Raiju's specs:

4 Extra buttons (2 bumpers and 2 detachable triggers)

4-button control panel

Two profiles for macros, programmable as you're playing

Hard shell carrying case

Rubberized grips on thumsticks and handles

Trigger-stop switches and hair trigger modes

PC compatible

The biggest benefit of these pro-level controllers, are the programmable buttons that let you get your inputs in faster and more efficiently. Depending on how you customize them, you can make actions happen without ever taking your fingers off the thumbsticks.

When you boil it down, neither of these are going to replace the Dualshock 4 in the mainstream market, but they will offer customization for those looking to beef up their game.

The Razer option is more comfortable overall and feels more natural, but the Nacon controller has a lot more customization options if you have the time to sink into it.

In either case, pro-level gamers or very serious competitive ones will find a lot to love about these two options. In the end though, the Dualshock 4 reigns supreme!

Let's explore a few more features our favorite controller offers.

Unqiue Dualshock 4 Features

Sharing is Caring
The biggest change to the DualShock 4 is quite likely the biggest change to the PlayStation itself: the sharing button / feature. Much has been said about the sharing feature of the PlayStation 4 and the DualShock 4 is where the magic happens. By pressing the share button on the DualShock 4, you'll come face-to-face with a variety of options enabling you to connect with the PlayStation 4 community at large.

At its most basic, the Dualshock Share button enables you to upload both images and video not only to your PlayStation 4 profile but also to a social networking service, such as Facebook. To take a screenshot using the Share button, simply hold the Share button down for a few seconds and you'll take a picture of whatever is happening on screen.

The Share button doesn't just stop with pictures and videos – it will enable you to watch a friend play a game on his own PlayStation 4 and even take control of the game for him, using your DualShock 4 to conquer a particularly tough part for him. This is a unique feature called Share Play.

Windows And Mac Compatibility
President of Worldwide Studios for Sony Computer Entertainment Shuhei Yoshida has once again taken to Twitter to confirm another new feature of the DualShock 4: native Windows support.

By default, a Windows PC recognizes an Xbox 360 controller and allows you to use it with a variety of PC games. Unfortunately, the DualShock 3 lacks Windows compatibility by default, requiring third party software to use, a feature the DualShock 4 looks to correct.

Whether this means Windows will recognize the DualShock 4 as an actual DualShock 4 or just a variation of the Xbox 360 controller remains to be seen. Yoshida stated that more information would be forthcoming in the coming weeks in the lead up to the PS4 launch.

Sony has also revealed that the DualShock 4 will now be fully compatible with Mac's OS X as well.

PS3 Compatibility

A July 2014 PS3 firmware update now lets you use DualShock 4 controller on your PlayStation 3! Keep in mind that if you sync the controller to your PS3, you will need to resync it to your PS4.

Unfortunately, the rumble and motion sensors of the DualShock 4 will not work when it's used on the PS3.

Extended Battery Life

One of the major complaints about the DualShock 4 has been its weak battery life, with the controller needing to be charged every six to eight hours. Third-party manufacturer Nyko has come up with the solution to this in the form of the "Power Pak."

This device connects to the controller through the Micro USB port and claims to double the battery life of the DualShock 4! Nyko claims the Power Pak is lightweight and does not cause any issues when holding the controller. The Power Pak is available for $19.99 at all video game retailers.

Leading the Revolution
With this design, the DualShock 4 provides familiarity for veteran PlayStation gamers but enough new features that show Sony's dedication to innovation.

Sony has taken the criticisms about the DualShock 3 and not only improved it but added features that most gamers didn't even think they needed, like a new directional pad or improved motors. All of the PlayStation 4's new features seemingly begin with the DualShock 4, the natural evolution to a tried and true design.

For up-to-the minute DualShock 4 news, check this page often! The staff at PS4 Experts will ensure that you'll be the first to know about any breaking news.

it should incorporate technology like the X-box 360 kinnect uses to play games but improve upon the capabilities of it. I think Sony could also give the gamers the option of also being able to use the Sixaxis controller. I only have a PS3 and do not like X-box. I think Sony will surprise me and others with the technology they produce in just a few years.

I have both, and both are great gaming systems. As for everything else, I think the PS3 has the Xbox beat. Its pretty much the center of my entertainment system. All movies, tv, music, and online play are through the ps3. If Xbobx can compete with that the nest time around, then there will be no clear cut winner. It will be the same as it is now, fanboys in both corners

XBox is BS compared to NINTENDO and SONY combined. They have adventure games (something you would call "kiddy games" or "gay games") that are way ass better than those retarded and boring hardcore games.
I choose Crash over Nathan Drake.

while i completely understand your opinion as you are quite obviously ignorant or some washed up fanboy who can only afford to play halo one. the xbox is a failure of a console with its inferior 720 graphics, contant glitches, over priced network, thieving management, and inferior construction. with all these undeniable facts you spread those filthy lies of superiority. my older model ps3 takes metaphorical dumps that pass as better consoles than your fagbox 360... take it...

The XBox and the 360 are total bull $@!&. They lack platformer games (true games)like Mario or Crash Bandicoot or Sonic. People who buy those hardcore games only want to look cool and/or mature. I am 16 and I would still choose Crash Bandicoot over Uncharted.

i think they dont need any new gaming systems and by making the ps4 the sony ps3 team will really make a huge mistake when all ps3 sales cease to exist.... im the worlds greatest playstation sony fan.. and they are going in the wrong direction... come the future i may end up going to the dark side and joining the xbox cause this is getting ridiculous

U R KINDA RIT xbox is being smart and saying we will not release the xbox 720 till the xbox 360 stops makeing sells they already working on it and said all the pic's that u see on google are nothing like what it ill b but sony is saying that they wanna release it in be4 xbox 720 and microsoft said they might not relese it till 2012-2013-2014

I was never a Playstion fan always went in the other direction. PS1 I was N64, PS2 I was XBOX. Well Xmas of 2010, I was given a Playstation 3 with much reluctance I opened the box and proceeded to connect the system to my tv, I am not upset that I did just kinda felt like a trader. Well all I can say now is that I am glad I didn't return it not only is the Xbox controller now to bulky the system is a piece of junk I will never regret my decision to switch to the Playstation I am still surious to see what XBOX 720 will look like, but PS$ will defiantly be mine. ~ Trend_setter86 if you send a request send a message saying "Trend is God" or no add lol

I think the PS4 been shown is just a concept and the countdown cannot be 100% true because sony has been loosing money designing the NGP also known as (aka) the PSP2. It would be best if it had holographic disks and blueray. That is if sony plans on releasing the PS4. Also not a lot of people may buy the PS4. I still think Play station is better than Nintend and Xbox by miles. By David Norman 11 England

i honestly hope they do not change the ps4 to much from the ps1/2/3. i would like montion games but not all of them and if they changed the main control drastically i would not buy it. i also hope they dont follow the wii and bring out lots of family friendly casual games and stay with their hardcore games.

I completely agree with what you say - there are consoles designed and recognised for family games, and sony don't make them. Sony make consoles for true gamers and that shouldn't change.
Also, there's a reason why sony's consoles have been successful in the past: they've got it right - they should stick to their roots with the PS4.

That is only half of SONY's roots. Since the release of the PS1 they have made some games related to those of NINTENDO. Or have you forgotten Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Jak and Daxter, and Ratchet and Clank? SONY's true roots are both hardcore games and platformer/adventure games. The reason the PS3 is not selling very well is because they lack a lot of platform games that relate to Crash or Spyro.
The PS3 was supposed to be the best-selling console because they would have been an X-box 360 and WII combination.

sony should not make another system because it feels like us people are just wasting money on system that will eventually end up on shelves just like the ps1 and the ps2. PS Sony is starting to get out of hands

saying they should stop making systems because they're technology is advancing is stupid. That's like saying technology should come to a halt because things we already have work and there's no need for advancement or improvement. If that's the case, how come you aren't operating on windows 95?

if they dont change as tvs and electronics in general get better and faster then they will be out of business. So if you wanna stick with what you got enjoy what you have while the rest of us will change with the new technology while you play catch up.

Bah XD the true next gen controller is already here, and will be very affordable by the time it comes out, the most Ideal gaming controller will be one that doesn't require hands at all!
I give you! the Neural Headset/interface!, forget pushing buttons! just think and it happens!!!!!!
post reasons as to why this will/will not happen but FYI a neuro headset for PC can be squired for 300$ in 2011! imagine how affordable it will be in 2014/2015

Did you ever tried it out for yourself ? Its not good enough and is too slow. Its actualy kind of tricky and its not working 100% of the time so sometimes you think left but objects dont react. Also its really slow fast paced games are impossible to play right now. And the other thing is complexity the technooogy is FAR from ready Maybe in 10-20 years. Just because its on pc doesnt mean its working for consoles. Its more like an pre-alpha hardware right now.

ps4 can not be great if they cant fix the problems that ps3 has with its stupid cooling system that more than less makes the system grow hotter due to the fact its one fan in the middle of the system that doesn't even push the air out an sony ps3 has started to have a freezing problems and load times have got a little to long so after saying all this ps4 would have way greater problems than the ps3 i would be surprised if it would even turn on

i think the PS4 should be made later on and not in 2012 because 4 years is not long enough for 1 console if it is made in 2012 im switching to Xbox because they said they will make a new console when Xbox 360's stop selling now that's smart

Because I was telling what the sony playstation 0 or the original playstation and the ps 1-9 features and you know how smart i am with video games i am one bad boy i signed up for an video game college and do you know what they said if you figure that i am smart at video games how smart am i with what they said here is what they said to me they said with what i did i did not even seem like i was 10 years old they said that it seemed like i was really 91 and i am not joking i am telling the truth if you don't trust me than that is ok but i am just going to give you my email if it is ok with your mom then if you want to tell me an comment please be nice please because other people seem to use bad words and you know what if you give nice comment i can tell you some information about the new things that are coming out we can share ideas on different stuff you can email as much stuff as you want in a day only because i am always nice i was bad when i got into colleges but now i have changed a little and my email is gabepablo123@yahoo.com or you can email me at gabepablo12345@yahoo.com but it might take a while for it to send to my inbox but i don't have an brother so i can't do as much stuff and just so other people know i can give them my email as well if they are nice but if they are bad it is ok they can send me the same amount but just in a day but i just can't trust you but if say nice things to me again then i will allow the same again so once again my email is gabepablo123@yahoo.com or if you can't reach me at that email then my other email in my same account is gabepablo12345@yahoo.com so i will share things with you if your mom ok well that is all i have to say thank you by.